The Evolution of the Stock Car (1950-1959)

In the earliest days of stock car racing, horsepower was king. The bigger and badder the engine, the better the driver's chances were of winning and dominating races. However, in spite of the fact that several competing engines were more advanced, the aerodynamic and low-slung Hudson Hornet managed to win in 1951, 1952, and 1953 with a 308 cu. in. (5.0 L) inline six cylinder that used an old-style flat-head engine, proving there was more to winning than just a more powerful engine. In 1950, the "NASCAR Grand National Circuit" became the new title for the previous year's "Strictly Stock" racing division. Entering its second season, NASCAR's Strictly Stock late-model division was renamed the "Grand National" division because, NASCAR presiden...

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